The Economic and Financial Commission (EFCC) has reported that its agents have identified and impounded numerous parcels of fabric suspected to be part of an organised effort to solicit potential voters. Through increased surveillance, the agency aims to ensure the integrity of the ongoing election process.
The anti-graft agency confirmed on Saturday that it had apprehended several individuals believed to be engaging in vote buying in a post on its Twitter handle.
According to the statement, the EFCC‘s Election Monitoring Team in Sokoto seized bales of fabric allegedly belonging to a principal officer of the Sokoto State House of Assembly.
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It stated that the items have been moved to the Sokoto Zonal Command of the Commission pending the conclusion of the investigation.
The EFCC also revealed that its officers had stopped a suspect in nearby Kebbi State, Argungu Local Government Area, with a vehicle completely laden with fabrics and other goods they believed to be intended for voter inducement.
The suspect was handed to the Police Area Command at Argungu, for safekeeping alongside the vehicle and the items, while the team proceeded with election duties, according to the EFCC
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The Commission’s post further read, “In Kaduna, a suspect allegedly involved in vote buying was nabbed at School Road, Unguwan Rimi Kaduna.” The suspect, who initially resisted arrest, is now in custody pending the conclusion of the investigation.
“Also in Kaduna, the team led by ACE II Esmond Garba arrested one Buhari Muhammed in PU 002 Dogara Yaro Dagari area. He was arrested with Voter Coupons, which he confessed would be used to trace and pay those who voted for his party.”
“Furthermore, the team monitoring the voting exercise around LEA Kabala Doki, Kaduna, led by CSE Wakilu Omokide, also arrested two individuals suspected of vote buying.”
“Upon their arrest, a total of N67,500 and a list containing names of voters with their PVC numbers and their bank account details, among others, were recovered from them.”
Meanwhile, the suspects have volunteered statements to the Commission.